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But that has moved the problem elsewhere, with the previously sleepy Normandy port of Ouistreham, four hours to the west, proving to be a new hub.

There are daily ferry services from nearby Caen to Portsmouth.

Many of the refugees are reportedly sleeping in ditches, because the police have orders to remove any tents they try to pitch, as they wait for a chance to stowaway.

The Home Office said they still believe the hardline approach is working.

Migrants approach a lorry (Image: GETTY)

A spokesperson said: "Our approach to securing the UK's border is working. At the juxtaposed controls and at ports around the country Border Force officers use some of the most advanced detection technology around to find and stop migrants attempting to reach the UK illegally.

"This includes a commitment from the UK to invest an additional £44.5m to protect the shared border. Part of this is being spent to reinforce the security measures in and around a smaller ports in northern France, including Ouistreham Port near Caen."

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Theresa May agreed a treaty geared at deterring migrants from trying to cross to this country earlier this year.

Mrs May also reportedly offered £44.5 million to ease French grievances over a deal made in 2003 that placed British border controls in Calais.